News - Soap Buzz

Today on his You Tube Channel, General Hospital’s Daytime Emmy winning actor, Maurice Benard (Sonny Cortinhos) has posted a very special message to his fans for their strong support about his latest storyline where Sonny has been off his meds for bipolar disorder, and encouraging people that if you see anyone with the signs or symptoms to get them the help they need!

Over the past several episodes. Sonny has really been on downward spiral which has also given viewers another wonderful opportunity to see some stellar performance from Benard, which come Emmy time, just could be in the running! It all started after his fiancee’ Connie was killed, and Sonny went off his meds and contemplated suicide, and from there his erratic behavior culminated in Monday’s episode where Sonny had a public meltdown at Kiki and Morgan’s Party.

In the video message Benard relates: ”I want to thank everybody for their support during this Sonny off his meds/bipolar storyline. It was pretty difficult but fun at the same time. Soaps do a really good job at bringing awareness to these kinds of causes because you can do it on a soap in real time. So, if you know anybody, who you think is suffering from any kind of mental illness, all you have to do is call your local mental health association. Some of the symptoms are racing thoughts, not sleeping, crying, anger, different things like that … a lot of things you saw Sonny doing on TV. But it’s very important that someone get treatment and get help, and with treatment and help you can live a productive life, as you see I have. I have been on my medication straight for 20 years and everything’s been fine. So thank you again, and on to the next!”

Watch Maurice’s message to his fans on his recent storyline below! Let us know what you thought of his performances and the thoughts conveyed in his video.

Thank you, Maurice, for having the courage to speak out through your character of Sonny and through your own life of how vital it is for people who exhibit these symptoms to seek out the help of mental
health professionals before it’s too late to save a life from either suicide or homelessness. I admire
how you’ve taken control of your life and have been pro-active in helping others with this debilitating
mental illness.
Boise, Idaho……

I think he has been superb in this storyline. Also, sharing his personal struggle so openly for so long really helps break the stigma of mental illness and I am sure has encouraged others to seek help. Very inspiring.

WELL , SONNY YOUR STORY LINE IS VERY IMPORTANT TO EVERYONE AND THERE CHILDREN . MY GRANDSON HAS THIS PROBLEM AND IT WASN’T A PRETTY SIGHT IN FACT DOWN RIGHT SCARY TO WATCH . OVER THE YEARS NOW THEY CAN LIVE A NORMAL LIFE , SO THANK YOU FOR YOUR GREAT ROLE ON THIS SICKNESS…./////

Well at least GH treats the subject realistically and with respect unlike Y&R who uses the condition as a gimmick to get a character like Sharon to do things she would not normally do because the writers have no imagination. Thanks for treating the topic seriously GH and for MB for using it as teaching moment to help others.

Where is the Sharon… who… like… Maurice Benard… and countless others… who have given their lives… careers… making daytime their home… with us…

Sharon… was not atypical… was so relevant… and moved; us, in the audience…. that the wrong side of the tracks… crossed… and she found love… made a life with… and questionable… OK it’s serial… but… she persevered… endured… and I related to

I just can’t believe the writers at Y&R think this is OK…
which is my cross.. but… the Newmans’ be damned… the men are allowed to lord over…

come home Sharon

the perfect scenario… would be that Adam and Sharon… reign supreme… and these two, truly… are… and should be Genoa City dynasty

I didn’t for one second… appreciate or like the ghost of… her beloved Cassie… “helping” along… her mother…. which was clearly the opposite… and in the end… it’ll be…. poor sharon…. needed help

I HATE Sonny, never ever liked him. But I have ALWAYS liked Maurice. He’s always come across as such a giving, gracious and grateful actor. I applaud his courage in speaking out for bi-polar and mental illnesses. There is still so much stigma attached to bi-polar disease and other mental health disorders and I really admire his bravery in putting a face and being one of the first to give a voice for the illness and providing hope to people who are suffering. I don’t know what’s going on with Sonny and I don’t think I could care less if I tried, but great on Maurice for continuing to send messages like these to the public.

Thank you, Maurice, for being so open and honest in your portrayal and sharing information on this disease. It has to be difficult and taxing. Mental illness still needs to have light shed on it to bring it to the forefront, especially for young adults; it is rampant. There is always hope and help to be found. I applaud your courage, and am happy you are healthy!! You are a fabulous role model and actor!

I to am bipolar. Sonny leaves such an impression on me. I know how it is. You get to feeling better and you think you don’t need the meds, then the world falls out from under you. Hang in there and lets both continue to do what we know we need to do. I love General Hospital!

Don’t give up or let go, Betty. You’re not alone in this struggle. Someone close to me has been struggling with this for more than twenty years. He’s lost to us;but we still hold onto the hope he will return to us some day. It’s my hope you’ll be one of those bi-polars who really does know what “we need to do.” Best wishes for a healthy and happy life now and always.

Maurice Benard is an amazing actor! I have loved him since his short stint on All My Children as Nico Kelly. As much as I think (part of ) the storyline was ridiculous, the dumb Michael, Kiki/Starr, nuMorgan part, everything else was well-written and well-acted, beyond my expectations. Maurice has chemistry with every talented person on the show, to name a few, Laura Wright, Maura West, Kelly Sullivan, Tony Geary. He brings his “all” to each and every scene. From someone who also struggles with depression issues and medication issues, the highs and lows really hit home. Thank you, Maurice!

I thin u are a great actor! I often wondered how this story line was effecting you. I’m glad it didn’t . There is a rumor that you are leaving G.H.!!!!!!! hope not!! I for one would not want to watch it!

Search

Video of the Day

General Hospital has released its new winter promo, a very modern and stylized teaser featuring the couples and triangles to watch for that will turn up the heat during the cold months of the new year. Chief among them: Franco/Liz/Griffin, Curtis/Jordan/Andre, Michael and Nelle, Carly and Sonny, Nathan and Maxie, and Dillon and Kiki. Watch the promo below. Let us know who you are rooting for, and most interested in seeing from the love stories featured. Leave a comment »